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Why cycle?

The economic, environmental and health benefits of choosing to cycle.

Oxfordshire is changing. There is a commitment to accelerate delivery of 2030 target of 100,000 new homes and 85,000 jobs. Our aim is to build better places and enable better health and well-being and one of the best ways of improving our health is by taking up cycling..

Cycling is a way of improving our health, well-being and punctuality. There is definitely evidence to suggest that some of us would benefit from cycling in terms of our health. Here are some examples:

An estimated 55% of people aged 16 or over in Oxfordshire are classified as overweight or obese.

In 2014, Public Health England estimated the mortality burden attached to long term particulate exposure in Oxfordshire to be 5.6% of the population

Congestion is a major problem in the UK. Figures released in May 2016 by the Department for Transport found that a total of £316.7bn miles were travelled by vehicles on the UK road network during 2015, a year-on-year rise of 1.6% and the highest level ever recorded

More commuting by cycle has the potential to contribute to reducing vehicle congestion, increasing punctuality, reducing stress levels and providing businesses with a fitter, healthier workforce. Cycling is quick and effective – the best choice for 2-5 mile journeys. For longer journeys, a great option is to combine cycling with bus or train.

A recent development with great potential has been electric bikes (e-bikes) which offer assistance for cyclists. They are particularly useful for people who live far away from destinations, carry heavy items and/or have to ascend hills. E-bikes are not like mopeds – you have to pedal and this improves health and well-being.